1. What does a physical therapist assistant do?
2. What is the difference between a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant?
3. What is the average salary earning of a physical therapist assistant?
4. Where do physical therapy assistants work?
5. Does Hagerstown Community College offer an A.A.S. degree program in physical therapist assistant?
6. Where can I find out answers to questions that I have about Physical Therapy as a career and availavable resources on the profession?

1. What does a physical therapist assistant do?
A physical therapist assistant (PTA) works under the direction of a physical therapist. PTA’s work with people of all ages to help them regain lost strength, function, mobility, and other life skills. They perform exercise, modalities, (heat, cold, massage electrical stimulation, etc) and train patients and families to achieve each individual’s maximum abilities.

2. What is the difference between a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant?
A physical therapist must complete a degree in physical therapy that generally takes 6-7 years to complete. physical therapists continue their education to the doctoral level. Currently, physical therapists are responsible for the supervision of a physical therapist assistant or aide. Physical therapist assistant’s primary responsibility is to direct patient care and work hands-on with patients. A physical therapist assistant has input into the plan of care and report regarding a patient that the physical therapist sees in their offices.

3. What is the average salary earning of a physical therapist assistant?
New graduate salaries are in the mid to upper 30s. Salaried scales increase with experience and responsibility.

4. Where do physical therapy assistants work?
Students who have graduated from a two-year associates degree program in physical therapy and have passes necessary certification examinations have the opportunity to work in hospitals, schools, outpatient centers, therapeutic horse-riding centers, industrials rehab centers, intensive care units, health clubs, higher education institutions, and research facilities. There are a lot of career opportunities awaiting graduates of our physical therapy program!

5. Does Hagerstown Community College offer an A.A.S. degree program in physical therapist assistant?
In collaboration with Carroll Community College, students may take their general education requirements at HCC and then transfer their general education credits to Carroll Community College to complete the degree. For more information on the physical therapist assitant program, call Carroll Community College at 1-888-221-9748.

6. Where can I find out answers to questions that I have about Physical Therapy as a career and availavable resources on the profession?
Visit www.apta.org to access education, employment, and the certification requirements required within the field of physical therapy.